Cruisin’ The Dub In A 2008 Dodge Charger Prototype
The beautiful orange beast that you see here is a pre-production 2008 Dodge Charger SRT. More specifically, it’s the one being driven from coast to coast to promote A&W’s Cruisin’ the Dub. The prototype Dodge started its journey in Vancouver BC, when Chrysler handed the keys over to Roger Barnes, the national manager for Cruisin’ the Dub.
The car originally started out in 2005 as a concept drawing by Chrysler designer Michael Castiglione. How it came to market in such a short time (the first production models were delivered last week) is a complicated answer. However, it probably had something to do with the number of shared components. The car itself is built on the LX platform, which had first been used on the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum in 2005. The engine, a 6.1-litre Hemi V8 with 5-speed Auto/Stick transmission is already available in other cars bearing the SRT stickers (like the Charger SRT Daytona). And the looks? Well, they’ve stolen that from the 1970 Charger.
From any more than twenty feet away, it’s hard to tell if the car is really the new one or a very clean 1970 hardtop. Important details like the (non-functioning) hood scoops, full-width taillights, and correct orange paint give even the hardest of the hardcore car buffs something to scratch their heads at. The folks at the Brampton, Ontario plant where the Challenger is built even saw fit to attach a retro-style filler cap.
As mentioned, this is a pre-production model, meaning that Chrysler engineers partially built it by hand. That said, Roger hasn’t had a single problem in the 18,000+ kilometres he’s put on the car this summer. Even the oodles of electronic goodies–GPS, bluetooth, CD/MP3 stereo with 20-gigabyte hard drive et al–funtion perfectly, like you would expect from a $50,000 luxury car. In fact, it’s just as drive-able as the regular production Dodge Challenger that A&W will be giving away at the end of summer.
Of course, this car’s journey would not be made possible if it weren’t for A&W reaching out to the automotive community through “Cruisin’ the Dub.” Every week in most major cities across Canada, the fast food giant opens up their parking lots to cruisers and gearheads, creating a safe and welcoming environment for those of us dealing with severe cases of “octane-itis.” A&W is serious enough about the event that they’ve hired on a national manager (Roger Barnes) whose sole job is to keep the classic wheels rolling into their restaurants. Well, not literally into the restaurants, just the parking lots. Ricky Bobby has that taken care of.
Left to Right: Roger Barnes, manager of Cruisin’ the Dub, and Craig Falconer, franchisee of the A&W located at 1520 Portage Avenue in Winnipeg.
That’s it for this week, but don’t forget to stop by next Tuesday for a clean ’55 Chevy that’s looking for a new home. Until then, keep it shiny side up!
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Cruisin’ the Dub-official site
Wikipedia’s article on the history of the Dodge Challenger
Willy’s Garage/Winnipeg Free Press on Manitoba’s first Dodge Challenger
Autoclubs.ca gallery: First time the A&W Challenger came to Winnipeg
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